2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i

[mikeyb]

http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/image/2007/W41/10112007185811.jpg

In the realm of sub-$20,000 sport compacts, the 2008 Subaru Impreza 2.5i enters with a leg up on the competition: all-wheel drive. The suspension is on the soft side as always, but its compliance and good travel are pluses for light off-road or harsh on-road conditions — notwithstanding plenty of body roll when driven with any sporting intent.

A torquier 2.5-liter engine provides good power from down low, peaking at 170 lb.-ft. at 4400 rpm, but we were chasing rainbows up to redline for top-end thrust from this flat-4 sans turbocharger. Straight-line speed aside, we were surprised to find this base Impreza nearly going toe-to-toe with the previous-generation WRX we tested back in December of 2006.
With the closest all-wheel-drive alternative being the Suzuki SX4, coming in at a slightly lower price but giving up 27 bhp and 34 lb.-ft. of torque with comparable EPA fuel mileage, it's clear Subaru's latest Impreza not only looks to one-up the competition, but itself as well.



Subaru Impreza 2.5i

List price

$16,995
Price as tested

est $17,640
Curb weight

est 3055 lb
Engine, transmission

2.5-liter F-4, 5-speed manual
Horsepower, bhp @ rpm

170 @ 6000
Torque, lb-ft @ rpm

170 @ 4400
0–60 mph

8.2 sec
0–100 mph

22.9 sec
0–1320 ft (1/4 mile)

16.1 sec @ 85.6 mph
Top speed

120 mph*
Braking, 60–0 mph

138 ft
Braking, 80–0 mph

249 ft
Lateral accel (200-ft skidpad)

0.79g
Speed thru 700-ft slalom

64.2 mph
Our mileage, EPA city/highway

est 21.0, 20/27 mpg

*Electronically limited.



- Road & Track

[mikeyb]

I test drove one of these and it was soft in the suspension. I want to try a WRX next time.

[1sty]

WOW!
They sucked all the personality right out of that car.

[mikeyb]

WOW!
They sucked all the personality right out of that car.

Subaru has a loser on their hands with this car. I went by my Subie dealer tonight and they had 8 2.5is on the lot.

[Mr. 4500 RPM]

I test drove one of these and it was soft in the suspension. I want to try a WRX next time.

I want the new STI.

I am debating on a new car now and have the STI, EVO, and a 3 series awd (probably the coupe) with a 335xi in the lead of the "never going to get but wish I could".

Any word on when STI comes out?

[TinmanMS6]

Subaru has a loser on their hands with this car. I went by my Subie dealer tonight and they had 8 2.5is on the lot.

I'm going to beg to differ. I think that the beyond-bland styling of the base Impreza makes it a much better seller than the previous "flying vagina" design. The masses love "inoffensive", and this is certainly that. There's a reason the Corolla is the best-selling car on Earth.

[Flash5]

Nothing can compare to the old CG8's from back in the day. My friend has one and that is one good looking car.

[1sty]

I'm going to beg to differ. I think that the beyond-bland styling of the base Impreza makes it a much better seller than the previous "flying vagina" design. The masses love "inoffensive", and this is certainly that. There's a reason the Corolla is the best-selling car on Earth.


The reason the the corolla was the best of all time was that it used to not have much competition and it sells on pure reputation at this point.
Subaru doesnt have the best reputation.

Also I would say the Corolla can be a better looking vehical with the S version.

[TinmanMS6]

The reason the the corolla was the best of all time was that it used to not have much competition and it sells on pure reputation at this point.
Subaru doesnt have the best reputation.

Also I would say the Corolla can be a better looking vehical with the S version.

I'm not saying the Impreza will outsell the Corolla. I'm just saying it will sell better than it did, because it's got more "mainstream" styling now.

I'm wondering if you've seen the new Corolla. It's awful.

[mountjonas]

Any word on when STI comes out?

i heard around Feb. 08

[ccann26]

I think thats not bad at all for the price . It would be a great practical winter car .

[BlackCherry06]

I was never a fan of the outgoing Impreza's body, but IMO they overshot the mark in an attempt to tame it down. It went from slightly odd to super plain in one year. Normally change is for the better but I think the change was too drastic in this case. There's no lineage, no evolution...it's just BAM!, a completely different car, and it's bland. If they were hoping for a complete turnover in the car's 'fanbase', mission accomplished.

[altspace]

That's Subie for ya. That work like many other companies...Ready...Fire...Aim!

[1sty]

I'm not saying the Impreza will outsell the Corolla. I'm just saying it will sell better than it did, because it's got more "mainstream" styling now.

I'm wondering if you've seen the new Corolla. It's awful.

I understand your position, I was disagreeing with it as although it works to move Toyotas, the same styling will not work to move more subaru's in my opinion. They will sell less this year then they did last year in my opinion.


Still the best Subaru front end to date:
http://www.mazdas247.com/members/1sty/STi/wrx%20sti%20front.jpg